December 9, 2025
Makana Pono Honors March of Dimes, Chosen by Kathrine M.
Kathrine M.
Palliative Social Worker
Organization:
March of Dimes
Front Row: Carly Armstrong (March of Dimes), Kathrine Martin, Candice Fajardo (March of Dines) Back Row: Cherish Aquino, Riana Funk, Alyssa McIntire, Mark Vincent, Agnes Villanueva, Jad Bonahoom, Danelle Kohler, Jen Eaton, Nyra Hebrio, Lauren Brunt
“My twin nieces were born prematurely at 24 weeks and 3 days and spent 293 days in the NICU,” shared Kathrine M., a palliative social worker at Islands Hospice. “During this challenging time, March of Dimes was a consistent source of comfort and care. They regularly checked in with my sister and other parents, offering emotional support and meaningful conversations.”
Kathrine’s personal connection inspired her to select March of Dimes as the recipient of this quarter’s $5,000 Makana Pono donation. A steadfast supporter of the organization since her family’s experience, she saw firsthand how much emotional support can mean during such a vulnerable time. “Their efforts made a difficult experience more manageable and reminded our family that we weren’t alone,” she said.
Kathrine’s personal connection inspired her to select March of Dimes as the recipient of this quarter’s $5,000 Makana Pono donation. A steadfast supporter of the organization since her family’s experience, she saw firsthand how much emotional support can mean during such a vulnerable time. “Their efforts made a difficult experience more manageable and reminded our family that we weren’t alone,” she said.
March of Dimes is a national nonprofit that works to improve the health of mothers and babies. The organization focuses on reducing premature birth, addressing maternal health risks, and closing gaps in access to care. Their mission especially resonates in communities where pregnancy and childbirth come with added barriers, such as Hawaiʻi, including long distances from hospitals, limited providers, or high-risk conditions.
Each year, more than 370,000 babies in the U.S. are born too soon. March of Dimes provides vital support for families with babies in neonatal intensive care, offers education for expecting mothers, and funds research to improve birth outcomes.
Their mission especially resonates in communities where pregnancy and childbirth come with added barriers, such as Hawaiʻi, including long distances from hospitals, limited providers, or high-risk conditions.
As a palliative social worker at Islands Hospice’s O‘ahu office, Kathrine helps patients and families navigate the complexities of serious illness and end-of-life care. She offers emotional, psychosocial, and practical support, and has been part of the team for four years, quietly making a difference every day in the lives of those she serves.
Her choice of March of Dimes honors her family’s journey and uplifts thousands of other families facing similar struggles.
Mahalo, Kathrine, for selecting an organization that brings comfort, care, and critical support to families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Her choice of March of Dimes honors her family’s journey and uplifts thousands of other families facing similar struggles.
Mahalo, Kathrine, for selecting an organization that brings comfort, care, and critical support to families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.